“This train order staff also controls all switches leading from the main line between _A_ and _X_, for with the style of switch-stand which we have designed for the purpose the trainman cannot open the switch until he has secured the staff from the engineman and inserted it in the switch-stand, and as soon as he throws the switch-lever and opens the switch he fastens the train-staff in the switch-stand, and it cannot be removed until the switchman has closed and locked the switch for the main line. When this is done he may remove the train-staff and return it to the engineman. It will thus be seen that this train order, in the shape of a staff, gives the engineman absolute control over the section, and also insures that all switches from the main line are set properly before he can deliver the train-staff to the instrument at _X_. “In order that the operator at _X_ may be assured that the entire train has passed his station, we may divide the staff in two and deliver one half to the engineman and the other half to the trainman on the caboose or rear end of the train, and it will be necessary for the operator at _X_ to have the two halves so that he may complete the staff in order to insert it into the staff instrument at _X_, as it is impossible to insert a portion of the staff; it must be entirely complete before it can be returned to the staff instrument.” Instead of using the entire staff as a whole or in two parts, Mr. Hansel suggests that one or more rings on the body of the staff be removed from the latter and given to the engineman or other trainman to be placed upon a corresponding staff at the extreme end of the section. This would answer the purpose, for no staff can be inserted in a machine unless all the rings are in their proper positions. These rings can be taken up by a train moving at any speed from a suitable crane at any point alongside the track. For a rapid movement of trains on a single-track railroad under this staff system an engineman must know before he approaches the end of the section whether the staff is ready for delivery to him. In order to accomplish that purpose the usual distant and home signals may readily be employed. The distant signal would show him what to expect, so that he would approach the entrance to the section either at full speed or with his train under control according to the indication. Similarly, electric circuits may be employed in connection with the staff or rings in the control of signals which it may be desired to employ.